Irish Brown Bread

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Check out this easy bread that is great today with dinner or tomorrow toasted for breakfast. It only takes about 5 mintues to put together and another 35 minutes to bake.

Irish Brown Bread

• 3 cups whole wheat flour (I use at least half graham flour)
• 1 cup white flour
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 3/4 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 cups buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk on hand use 2 Tbsp white vinegar and 2 scant cups of milk)

Preheat oven to 375°. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Rub butter into flour mixture. I put it in a food processor and pulse about 10 times until butter is well incorporated into flour. Put back into bowl and make a ‘well’ in the center. Gradually add buttermilk, mixing with flour until a soft ball is formed. Turn onto a lightly floured board and roll in flour to form a ball. The dough will be very sticky until it is covered in flour. If it seems too sticky or loose you can add a little flour and knead to incorporate. Flatten into a circle 1  1/2″ thick. Make an x thru the center with a sharp knife. Place on a baking sheet  and bake for 35-40 minutes, until browned and sounds hollow when tapped. Wrap baked loaf in a damp tea towel and leave until cool.  Slice and serve with Kerry Gold Irish Butter.

Ready to go into the oven

Just out of the oven. Leave in a damp tea towel until cool.

Ready to eat.